Saunders had been working as an adviser on behalf of state Treasury officials with cash-strapped Highland Park, a Detroit enclave.

Then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm placed Harris in charge of Benton Harbor's finances in 2010. The southwestern Michigan city's cumulative general fund deficit was about $3.4 million that year.

Harris was reappointed to the job in 2011 by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Harris is a certified public accountant and former chief financial officer for the City of Detroit. He angered some in Benton Harbor in 2011 when he stripped decision-making authority from elected officials.